- Consumer online filing: Prepares and e-files supported individual federal and state returns through a guided web flow.
- Broad federal form coverage: Supports major federal forms, credits and deductions in the main paid filing workflow.
- Tax help: Offers live chat, faster support and questions to a tax professional on supported routes.
- Self-employment guidance: Adds Schedule C and 1099 guidance, specialist access and quarterly-payment reminders.
- Import and guarantees: Supports selected prior-return, W-2 and 1099 imports plus calculation and maximum-refund guarantees under its terms.
TaxSlayer
Guided online filing with added support for complex individual returns
Updated August 12, 2026
TaxSlayer Overview
TaxSlayer is online tax-preparation software for people filing their own US federal and state returns. Its guided interview covers supported forms, credits and deductions, and it can import selected prior-return, W-2 and 1099 data to reduce manual entry.
The product ranges from a tightly limited filing route for simple returns to broader form coverage and added help for self-employed filers. It remains a DIY service. People who want a preparer to complete the return or provide face-to-face help need a different service.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Billing and scope |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Free | $0 one-time | Federal filing for qualifying simple returns. One state is included. Less than a majority of taxpayers may qualify. |
| Classic | $44.99 one-time | Federal return. |
| Premium | $64.99 one-time | Federal return. |
| Self-Employed | $74.99 one-time | Federal return. |
Optional add-ons and fees:
- State return: $47.99 one-time. Dependent on a paid federal return.
TaxSlayer has a permanent free plan for qualifying simple returns.
Pricing source: TaxSlayer
Pros
| Compared with | Why this product may fit better |
|---|---|
| TurboTax | TaxSlayer Classic covers the main federal forms at a lower listed price than many TurboTax products. A confident filer can pay less for broad form support as long as the state charge and lighter guidance are included in the comparison. |
| H&R Block Online | Unlike H&R Block Online, paid tiers are generally cheaper while still offering live chat and tax-pro questions in Premium. Budget-conscious filers can retain a guided commercial process for those returns without paying the highest premium-brand prices. |
| TaxAct | TaxSlayer Classic keeps broad form coverage in one mainstream product instead of separating homeowner, investment, and self-employment situations as TaxAct does. A filer can choose mainly by support level instead of upgrading again when another schedule appears. |
| FreeTaxUSA | TaxSlayer Premium and Self-Employed add faster support and tax-pro questions inside the filing process. FreeTaxUSA costs less for many returns, but a user who needs more help can stay in TaxSlayer instead of moving the data to another advice service. |
Cons
| Compared with | Where this product may fall short |
|---|---|
| TurboTax | TurboTax gives more explanation and stronger document-import help for unusual returns. TaxSlayer’s leaner interview can leave a filer with many documents spending more time checking questions, calculations, and manual entries. |
| H&R Block Online | Local offices and full-service preparation give H&R Block Online users a way to hand over the return. TaxSlayer Premium can answer tax questions, but someone who wants face-to-face help or a preparer takeover must leave the consumer software. |
| TaxAct | TaxSlayer Simply Free excludes most filers and can require a paid upgrade after data entry. TaxAct also limits free filing, so buyers should compare income, form, dependent, and state rules before trusting either free label. |
| FreeTaxUSA | State filing is additional on paid tiers, while FreeTaxUSA keeps federal form coverage free across more complex situations. A multi-state filer should calculate every state and compare the resulting total with services that keep broad federal coverage free or include a state in the free tier. |
Reviews
- TaxSlayer reviews on Trustpilot (4.2/5 from 31,401 reviews): Reviewers often praise the simple interview, saved prior-year information and clear instructions. Complaints include unexpected charges, difficulty getting help and recent cases where users outside the United States could not access the service.
- Forbes Advisor’s 2026 TaxSlayer review: The review highlights the low cost of broad form coverage and the value of the self-employed product. It also warns that TaxSlayer gives users less step-by-step help than premium rivals.
